Newark and Sherwood: Police appeal for information after lambs slaughtered on Warsop farm

*WARNING: DISTRESSING IMAGE*

Police are appealing for information after dozens of lambs belonging to a farm were slaughtered in a deliberate and savage attack.

Other lambs at the Warsop farm were left for dead.

It is believed dogs were deliberately set upon them.

A total of 18 lambs died after they were discovered dead or seriously injured by the distraught farmer. It is believed to have happened between 9pm on Friday night and the early hours of Saturday morning.

The offenders entered private property linked to a farm in Warsop and then set dogs onto the animals. The farmer initially discovered 13 dead and the others seriously injured.

Officers were called to the scene yesterday morning, where they counted 13 dead lambs and five others seriously injured. One died while they were there and the other four had to be humanely destroyed by a local vet.

The majority of the lambs were left in a pile and others scattered around, leading investigators to suspect this was a deliberate act.

The loss of the livestock alone is thought to have cost the farmer over £1,600.

Chief Inspector Chris Sullivan, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a terrible and despicable act and has understandably left the farmer completely distraught. One theory is that dogs have possibly been set loose in the field during the night. Some of the lambs were found dead but others had to be put to sleep because their injuries were so severe.

“Our officers and our specials rural crime team are now working with the RSPCA Nottingham RSPCA (England & Wales) to track down who has committed such a brutal and inhumane act like this.

“This is totally unacceptable behaviour and will not be tolerated at any cost. Anyone who has any information or may have witnessed any suspicious activity at the time the incident occurred we would urge you to make contact with us so we can bring those responsible to justice quickly.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police 101 quoting incident number 364_ 12062021.

Or you call call Crimestoppers Anonymously on 0800 555 111